Best HVAC Tools: Top Essentials for Your Business

When you’re just getting started, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the tools you need. Use this complete, easy guide to help you find the best HVAC tools for your business.

In this guide, we’ll reveal:

Professionally recommended and trusted tools and brands
Which HVAC tools YOU NEED for your HVAC business
Extra HVAC tools that can help make your job a little easier

After reading this guide, you’ll have everything you need to know to save money, only buy the essential tools you need from the most trusted brands, and choose the best HVAC tools for your business.

Download these FREE HVAC flyer and door hanger templates to start winning more customers today!

Essential HVAC Tools

When you’re just getting started, your budget is important, and you don’t have endless wads of cash to throw at HVAC tools. In this section, we’ll highlight the most essential, best HVAC tools that you NEED to successfully run your business.

Use these professionally recommended tools from the most-trusted brands to stretch your dollar farther and ensure your money is going towards the best HVAC tools in the industry.

Manifold Gauge

Arguably the most important HVAC tool you’ll need is the manifold gauge, a pressure-checking system that will help you to complete diagnostics and services.

Take a look at some of the best professional manifold gauge recommendations and their rankings:

Refrigerant Recovery Unit

A refrigerant recovery unit removes refrigerants from cooling equipment and stores it in a tank so the refrigerant can be reused after a job. This is an essential HVAC tool because you’ll need it before you can work on air conditioners, freezers, or refrigerators.

Here’s the top five professional refrigerant recovery units:

Refrigerant Vacuum Pumps

In contrast to a refrigerant recovery unit, a refrigerant vacuum pump will help you remove refrigerant from inside a machine and cycle it into a recovery tank.

These are some highly rated refrigerant vacuum pumps to consider:

VIVOHOME HVAC Kit
- This kit includes SEVERAL necessary HVAC tools:
  - Vacuum pump
  - Manifold gauge
  - Leak detector
  - Carry bag
Robinair 15500 VacuMaster Vacuum Pump
Kozyvacu 5CFM Vacuum Pump

Refrigerant Recovery Tanks

Refrigerant recovery tanks are used for safely recovering, storing, and transporting used refrigerant from HVAC and refrigeration systems to EPA-certified reclamation centers. Since you can’t vent these tanks into the atmosphere, reclamation centers will either clean the gas and recycle it, or properly dispose of it.

Have a look at some of the top choices for refrigerant recovery tanks:

Refrigerant Scale

You’ll need a refrigerant scale to weigh refrigerant cylinders, which precisely tells you how much refrigerant is added to a refrigerant recovery unit.

Here are some of the best refrigerant scales recommended by HVAC technicians and their rankings:

HVAC Thermometer

HVAC technicians need an HVAC thermometer to read air differences at the supply and return as well as read superheat and subcooling.

When it comes to HVAC thermometers, there are three different kinds: digital thermocouple thermometers, pocket thermometers, and infrared thermometers.

Depending on the type of job, you may choose one or all of these HVAC thermometers. In general, a pocket thermometer is a great tool for getting general readings (e.g. checking your Delta-T, comfort calls, outside air temperature, etc… ).

Whereas, an infrared thermometer is great for getting general readings from hard-to-reach, high up places. However, keep in mind that infrared thermometers won’t work with copper lines because it scatters the sensor.

While it’s a good idea to keep an infrared thermometer handy for generalized readings, it’s important to have a more accurate pocket thermometer for multi-purpose use.

Overall, a dedicated digital thermocouple thermometer is a great, versatile way to have the best of both worlds where accuracy meets versatility.

These are some of the most recommended pocket thermometers from the pros:

Next, these are some of the most recommended infrared thermometers:

Finally, these are some of the most recommended digital thermocouple thermometers:

Stock Your Service Trucks With These HVAC Hand Tools and Equipment

Now that you know which essential tools you need to start your business, you’re ready to stock your service trucks with important HVAC hand tools and equipment.

These professionally recommended HVAC hand tools and equipment will help you finish your jobs as quickly and effectively as possible.

Tool Belt and Tool Pouch

As you lug around your HVAC tools to various job sites, you’re going to need a tool belt and a tool pouch to help carry your things from the truck. While a tool belt holds more, you may be able to opt for a smaller tool pouch for certain tasks. For this reason, it’s best to equip yourself with both. Plus, you can also consider tool bags and kits to meet your needs.

These are some tools belts preferred by HVAC technicians:

These are some tool pouches HVAC technicians prefer:

Nut Drivers

In order to run an HVAC business, you NEED to have nut drivers to remove/replace screws and nuts to get into air conditioner units.

These are a few professionally recommended nut drivers:

Battery-Powered Impact Driver and Drill

Depending on the job, you’ll need a battery-powered impact driver and drill to successfully complete your HVAC services.

Take a look at some of the most-trusted brands by HVAC technicians:

Wrenches

As an HVAC technician, you’re going to need wrenches… and lots of them! After all, you’ll use these wrenches to get in and out of units as well assemble/disassemble them.

These are a few of the main wrenches you’ll need:

Adjustable wrenches – 6 inch and 8 inch
Allen wrench set (i.e. hex keys)
- Since not all manufacturers use the same unit measurements, you need allen wrenches for imperial and metric measurements.
Crescent wrenches
Pipe wrenches – 14 inch and 8 inch
Service wrench and key
- You NEED this to repair air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

Tube and Pipe Cutters

Since you’ll have to cut copper, PVC pipes, and tubes, you’ll need tube and pipe cutters.

Here a few tube and pipe cutters that are professionally recommended:

Mastic Aluminum Foil Tape

When it comes to sealing air ducts, it’s important to choose products with mastic in them to make it permanent and waterproof. For this reason, duct tape won’t work on air ducts. Even though budget is important, be careful to choose the best quality that’ll properly seal air ducts long-term.

These are some top picks for professional-grade mastic sealants:

Here are a few professional-grade mastic aluminum foil tape recommendations:

Flashlights and Headlamps

As an HVAC professional, there are going to be times when you’ll need to crawl into an attic or tight space and will need a flashlight. Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you might need a variety of flashlights (e.g. headlamps, flashlights, floodlights, etc… ).

No matter which flashlights you need along the way, Milwaukee and Klein Tools have some great personal lighting options for your HVAC business.

Hand Seamer Tongs

In order to create clean and accurate seams in sheet metal, you’ll need some hand seamer tongs. Plus, hand seamer tongs are great for working in tight spaces.

Have a look at some top picks for hand seamer tongs:

Assorted Pliers

Since HVAC technicians need a wide variety of pliers (i.e. channel-lock, linesman, needle-nose, and etc… ), it’s a good idea to get a set.

Depending on your HVAC business’ needs, here are a few plier sets to consider:

Screwdriver Kit

Due to the different types of equipment you’ll work with, you’ll need to get a screwdriver set to meet the needs of your various jobs.

These are a few screwdriver kits to think about purchasing:

Step Ladder and Extension Ladder

Depending on whether you’re in residential or commercial HVAC, you’ll need a step ladder (4-plus feet) and extension ladder. However, you may only need an extension ladder if you’re in commercial HVAC and often climb onto roofs.

Here are a few step ladders to consider:

Here are a few extension ladders to consider:

Tape Measure

As an HVAC technician, you’ll have to accurately measure a wide variety of things (e.g. furnaces, air conditioner units, etc.). You’ll need a tape measure that’s at least 25 feet long or longer.

Consider any one of these professionally recommended tape measures to meet your needs:

Awl

Whether you need to score sheet metal for straight cutting, or punch holes in wood or metal, an awl is an essential HVAC tool for professionals.

Take a look at some top picks for awls:

Caulking Gun

You’ll need a caulking gun for sealing air ducts and filling holes.

These are some top options for dripless caulking guns:

Valve Core Removal Tool

The valve core removal tool is essential for the evacuation and recovery of refrigerant.

Take a look at some top choices for valve core removal tools:

Coil Fin Straightener

In order to straighten the bent fins of a condensing unit for an air conditioner or heat pump system, you’ll need a coil fin straightener.

Here are a few options for coil fin straighteners:

Crimper

As an HVAC technician, you’ll be working a lot with metal. As a result, you’ll need crimping tools to bend sheet metal for ductwork and other HVAC services.

Take a look at a few great choices of crimpers:

Wire Stripper and Pliers

In order to service HVAC units, you’ll need to get a pair of wire strippers/needle-nose pliers.

These all-in-one tools are compact way to meet your everyday needs:

Deburring Tool

A deburring tool is used to remove burrs and flares at the end of a pipe or hole so it will easily fit with other parts.

Here are some deburring tools you should consider:

Duct Knife

As an HVAC technician, you’ll need a duct knife, which is a double-edged serrated knife that’s used to cut duct boards.

These are some of the best duct knife options for technicians:

Extension Cord

In order to plug in your power tools and such, you’ll need a durable extension cord that works for indoor and outdoor use.

Take a look at some of your best options for extension cords:

Flushing Solvent

Flushing solvent is needed to clean the inside of air conditioner units.

Take a look at some of the best flushing solvent recommendations for HVAC professionals:

Hand Seamers

In order to bend or flatten sheet metal by hand, a pair of hand seamers will help!

These are some top hand seamer picks for HVAC technicians:

Leak Detector

If you want to find the source of refrigerant leaks, then you’ll have to get a leak detector.

Take a look at some of the most trusted leak detectors:

Magnetic Bubble Level

As you install furnaces, air conditioners, and thermostats, you’ll need to ensure everything is level. Since much of what you’ll be leveling is metal, a magnetic bubble level is a great hands-free option.

Here some of the best magnetic bubble levels:

Magnetic Tray

In order to avoid losing various screws, nuts, and bolts, a magnetic tray will come in handy.

These are some great options for magnetic trays:

Megohmmeter

A megohmmeter is useful for HVAC professionals because it detects weak motor winding insulation, moisture accumulation, and acid formations from motor windings before more damage is caused.

Here are some of the best megohmmeters for HVAC professionals:

Cable Tie Gun

Use a cable tie gun for optimal tensioning and cable tie cutting (flush to the cable tie head). It’ll also help with getting rid of the sharp snags left behind by the wire cutters.

These are a few cable tie guns you can choose from:

Electrical Tester Clamp Meter Kit

In order to diagnose control panels and electrical conditions, a clamp meter electrical test kit will include everything you need.

Take a look at a few great electrical tester clamp meter kits:

Reciprocating Saw

Since it allows you to go anywhere (e.g. attic, outside unit, crawlspace, etc… ) both quickly and efficiently, a reciprocating saw (i.e. sawzall) is a highly useful tool for any HVAC technician. Plus, to further add to their versatility, you can purchase extra saw attachments for virtually any job you need.

Here’s a look at some of the best reciprocating saws for HVAC technicians:

Staple Gun

A staple gun will help fasten and add various materials to ducts.

Take a peek at some of the best staple guns for HVAC professionals:

Thermal Imaging Tool

A thermal imaging tool can be used in addition to a laser thermometer to help HVAC technicians inspect, diagnose, and monitor potential problems with HVAC equipment. It can also identify air leaks in the building envelope, water leaks, electrical problems, and so much more!

Here are a few top choices for thermal imaging tools:

Aviation and Tin Snips

In order to cut sheet metal, you’ll need both aviation and tin snips. Aviation snips will help you create precise turns in thick sheet metal. Tin snips will help you make straight cuts in thin metal.

These are some great options for aviation and tin snips:

HVAC Safety and PPE

As you work, it’s important you protect yourself and your team by using proper HVAC safety and PPE.

In this section, we’ll talk about the essential HVAC tools you’ll need to follow proper HVAC safety and PPE protocols that will make your job not only safer but easier too.

Use these essential HVAC tools to help eliminate liability and ensure that you run a successful HVAC business for many years to come.

Ear Plugs

When you and your technicians work with loud HVAC tools, it’s important to wear ear plugs or a form of proper hearing protection.

Footwear

Since you and your technicians will be working in a variety of unsafe, dirty conditions, such as crawl spaces, attics, etc, it’s VITAL everyone wears proper footwear. After all, there could be objects or pests that could be harmful. Plus, mistakes happen, and if any HVAC tools or equipment fall on your feet, you’ll be wearing protective shoes. Steel-toed boots are a great option for HVAC technicians!

Gloves

In order to protect technicians from sharp metal edges, you’ll need adequate gloves. Plus, when you choose gloves with a non-conductive material, you’ll also be protected against electrical shortages.

Masks

Since HVAC technicians use a wide variety of chemicals, it’s important that YOU’RE wearing a mask AT ALL TIMES during this process. In addition, masks also protect against dirt and debris in hazardous places, such as crawl spaces and attics.

Overalls

In order to protect you and your team from chemicals, sharp objects, dirt, debris, and weather, it’s absolutely essential that HVAC technicians wear protective overalls.

Safety Goggles

HVAC technicians need safety goggles to protect the eyes against harsh chemicals, contaminants, dirt, and debris.

Hard Hat

A hard hat is a great way to protect yourself against any potential danger. Hard hats are especially helpful in protecting your head when you’re in high areas (like a roof), or in tight attics and crawl spaces.

The #1 HVAC Tool to Have Under Your Belt

By far, the #1 HVAC tool to have under your belt is HVAC software. Using FieldEdge, you’ll have the power to quickly conquer your goals so you can grow your HVAC business.

Here’s how FieldEdge HVAC software works for your HVAC business 24/7:

Experience easy quoting in the field
Track every job, every step of the way
Create long-term customers by leveling up your customer service
Using the Mobile App, you can take FieldEdge anywhere you go
Take advantage of instant scheduling, dispatching service, lead management/CRM, invoicing, and billing

With FieldEdge, the possibilities to grow your HVAC business are absolutely endless.

Sign up for a FREE demo of FieldEdge NOW!

Grow Your Business Using the Best HVAC Tools

At last, you have everything you need to choose the best HVAC tools for your business.

Take advantage of these professionally recommended HVAC tools, and maybe even add a few extras to your tool bag to make your job easier.

Use this complete easy guide to help you start your HVAC business on the right foot with the most essential, best HVAC tools you need!